KINGSTON – The American Planning Association has designated Wall Street in Kingston as one of 10 Great Streets for 2012 under the group’s Great Places in America program.

The Great Places program is designed to note exceptional character and highlight the role planning and planners play in adding value to communities, including fostering economic growth and jobs.

The organization singled out an eight-block stretch of Wall Street in Kingston between Franklin and North Front streets for its historic character, many well-preserved buildings, pedestrian scale, and variety of uses.

“It’s really an honor to have the city recognized at a time when the city is facing so many challenges with deteriorating infrastructure, hospitals closing and all the other issues we’re facing,” Gallo said. “It’s just really great to have good news that Kingston is being recognized for literally being a very pretty place and boasting very, very special architecture and historical presence that a lot of people take for granted.”

Two other cities in New York were also among the Top 10 list – Broadway in Saratoga Springs, and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.